You’re likely looking at an array of different occasions on your calendar this summer — weddings and barbecues, concerts and cocktails, and probably a few parties of both the pool and beach variety. That’s many different dress codes to prepare for, and while your clothing choices are top of mind, you also want to nail your choice of footwear.
Lucky for you, Amazon has all the options you need, especially when you’re on a budget. As a discerning dresser and consumer, I’ve scoured Amazon to find deals and well-reviewed options you’ll love. From solid sandals for the sun to high-quality leather loafers for your formal events, all of the men’s shoes below will keep you comfortable, stylish, and ready for wherever your day takes you this summer.
Adidas Unisex Adult Adilette Aqua Slides
An iconic classic, these slides are perfect for the pool, beach, and shower. “What is there not to love about Adidas slides?” one reviewer wrote, and I can only agree; sometimes you just want to step into something and give your bare feet a break. With their Cloudfoam insole and single-piece design, and wide size spectrum, the Adidas slides are comfortable and easy to clean the sand off after a day in the sun. And as the same reviewer said, “These look good, are good quality, and are exactly what you expect.”
Converse Low Top Chuck Taylor Ox Sneakers
https://www.amazon.com/Converse-Unisex-Chuck-Taylor-Sneakers/dp/B07688J3C4/?th=1&psc=1
$70 / $60
I firmly believe that Chuck Taylors are the platonic ideal of footwear; reliable, consistent, cheap, comfortable, and versatile. Whether brand-new out of the box or broken in, they are built for the summer months with their signature eyelets for airflow, easy-to-clean canvas, and timeless cool look no matter the occasion. Grab a pair of the brand’s low-top Ox sneakers, preferably in a white or canvas off-white, and see how they work with shorts, light-wash jeans, or even better, a nice linen suit.
Sperry Men’s Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes
Sometimes you don’t need shoes that make a statement, you just want something comfortable, easy to style, and ready for any terrain underfoot. Sometimes you just need a boat shoe. These Sperrys are classic and ready for the dock, the deck, the dance floor, the lawn, and beyond. And it’s worth noting that these top-notch boat shoes may last you far longer than anticipated: “I just replaced my 20 + year old Sperry’s with a new pair that matched the old ones and I couldn’t be happier,” one reviewer shared.
Altxic Men’s Slip-on Canvas Espadrilles
Fit right in on your Mediterranean coast travels this summer with a pair of espadrilles like these from Altxic. A versatile and classic summer shoe on the French and Spanish Riviera, espadrilles are typically not gendered, but these are specifically sized and designed for men. Their canvas upper is breathable while the rubber sole is comfortable and will mold to your feet over time. As easy to style as they are to slip on, these stand out with a linen suit but shine with a glass of sangria on the beach in a pair of swim trunks.
Havaianas Top Men’s Flip-flops
From Brazil comes another quintessential summer option for your feet: the Havaianas flip-flops. With the brand’s signature look and feel (and proprietary rubber recipe), it’s mind-boggling how these shoes remain so cost-effective yet so durable at the same time. Their day-long comfort is complimented by their supernatural ability to go from the surf to the restaurant with nothing but a rinse. “The simple yet timeless aesthetic pairs well with a variety of outfits, whether I’m dressing casually for a day at the beach or throwing on shorts and a t-shirt for a laid-back weekend look,” one shopper wrote.
Clarks Men’s Flexway Step Loafers
When you need a versatile travel shoe this summer for a wedding weekend at a classy resort, look to the Clarks Flexway. With a handsome style and leather (or suede) upper, they can work from ceremony to reception to the after-party at the outdoor bar. Breathable and light, they can also stand with you all day poolside. They’re also incredibly plush on your feet for sightseeing expeditions or long travel days, thanks to their flexible, layered insole.
Adidas Originals Men’s Stan Smith Legacy Sneakers
If the Adidas slides are iconic, then the brand’s Stan Smiths are timeless. The original summer sneaker seen everywhere from tennis courts to runways is still one of your best options to look hip no matter the occasion. These are surprisingly sturdy shoes, with built-in comfort on the sides and soles, and they’re made with recycled materials that are gentler on our earth. The green and white colorway adds a subtle style pop to a versatile accessory that can class up casual attire or keep you motivated and moving during all-day festivals.
Native Shoes Unisex Jefferson Sugarlite Block Shoes
This pick is one of my personal favorites. I really don’t like wearing sandals, and as a result struggle with the best option for a quick on-and-off light shoe in the summer. When I had kids, I was jealous of their Native shoes; lightweight vegan rubber molded like a classic low-top with air-flow holes in a simple, minimalist design. Then I discovered that Native made adult-size shoes, and my poolside and beachside days became a delight from there on out. They are comfortable yet hold their form, easy to clean yet sturdy, and they slip on easily but still stay on your feet no matter the terrain.
Reef Men’s Fanning Sandals
These are Reef’s best-selling sandals, and the pair that everyone knows because of one key, innovative feature: the bottle opener on the sole. A true genius must have come up with this because that Thirst Quenching Technology is coupled with summer comfort (arch support on a flip flop!) in a timeless way. Wear these to the beach and sand bar and you’ll be the savior of the party when the cooler opens and it’s full of summer ales without twist-tops.
Marc Joseph New York Men’s Willmington Loafers
Driving moccasins are the unsung heroes of light-packing travel expeditions. With one pair, you have a footwear option that works with a suit or shorts, is comfortable on flights and walks, and of course, excels in the car on long weekend traffic-ridden drives. These Marc Joseph loafer mocs are handcrafted in Brazil with real leather and an anti-slip outsole, and that quality shows. Shoppers in the reviews call out how well they mold to your feet, too. “Purchased to wear while driving fairly long distances,” one wrote. “[They’re] so comfortable there were times I forgot I was wearing shoes. I know it sounds like a manufactured statement, but it actually is the case.”
Cole Haan Men’s Wyatt Bit Driver
I am genuinely surprised to find such a stylish Cole Haan shoe on Amazon in the first place, but for it to be genuine leather, under $100, and highly rated seems almost too good to be true. Yet the Wyatt moccasin is for real, and on sale now. It’s a handsome and comfortable loafer with all the Cole Haan innovation you expect; responsive cushioning, flexible construction, and designer versatility that can be styled with jeans, chinos, khakis, or shorts.
True Linkswear Dead Golfer Black Slides
If open-toe slides are not for you, here’s an option I love that’s no secret within golf circles but is perfect for anyone, regardless of their handicap index. True Linkswear makes some of the best golf shoes (our most comfortable pick of 2024), and the brand has brought that comfort tech to these modern slides for after your round, or just around the house. Its super foamy soles and traction treads help them work on grass and hard surfaces while keeping your feet cool with air-moving vents. The Dead Golfer variety is one of many instant-cool colorways, but it’s my personal favorite because of the unique skeleton logo subtly built in.
Olukai Ulele Men’s Beach Sandals
If you like sandals, these are a major upgrade to your typical flip-flops. Surf-styled and water-resistant, these thongs are quick-drying and molded like sneakers for maximum comfort. Their versatility extends to where you wear them, as they have what the brand calls Wet Grip Rubber’ to help you stay sturdy on slick surfaces, but they can also add a more dressed-up vibe to your luau outfit at the club. Plus, as Olukai is known for its foot support, these are high-arch-friendly. As a result, they have many shoppers singing their praises, with one even writing, “These are the best flip flops I’ve ever purchased.”
Reef Men’s Swellsole Pier Leather Boat Shoes
You know Reef as a mainstay of sandals, but this pair of versatile and cushioned boat shoes will jump its flip flops in your rankings. Made of low-impact leather and EVA rubber with a foam insole and lightweight rubber outsole with plenty of traction, Reef has crafted a ridiculously comfortable pair of boat shoes that makes every step feel like you’re walking along the shoreline. Pair them with shorts or pants and forget the socks.
Weweya Unisex EVA Pillow Sandals
These fully EVA rubber slides are a must-add to your summer wardrobe. Waterproof, adjustable, and ultra-cushioned for all kinds of walks and terrain, this pair has the unique ability to be both a conversation piece while sitting at the pool and something you’ll forget you’re wearing because of how comfortable they are all day. Shoppers compare them to “marshmallows” and “clouds,” with one writing, “My feet get so sore and my heels crack in the summer from wearing sandals and flip flops. I stepped into these and my feet thanked me! So comfortable!”
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